06/12/08

Reconciliation Step 3 and Step 4 Can Be Changed Back To an "Incomplete" Status

It is critical that Plan Sponsors agree to a correct covered retiree list in reconciliation Step 4: Finalize Covered Retirees. Plan Sponsors must ensure that the retiree data reflected in the most recent covered retiree list is accurate.

Despite a Plan Sponsor's best efforts to ensure that the retiree data reflected in the covered retiree list is accurate, there may be instances where a Plan Sponsor becomes aware of changes to its qualifying covered retirees after it has completed Step 3: Request List of Covered Retirees and Step 4, but before it has completed Step 12: Review and Submit Reconciliation Payment Request. Such changes may include additions or deletions of qualifying covered retirees, changes to the approved subsidy periods, and/or changes in which benefit option a qualifying covered retiree is enrolled. In such cases, the Plan Sponsor must contact CMS' RDS Center Help Line, prior to the completion of Step 12, to request that reconciliation Step 3 and Step 4 be changed to an "Incomplete" status. Although reconciliation Step 3 and Step 4 can be changed to an "Incomplete" status after they are completed, ALL reconciliation steps that have already been completed, beginning with Step 3, will be changed to an "Incomplete" status and must be completed again in such instances. However, the application's reconciliation deadline will not change.

For more information, go to: How To Complete Step 4: Finalize Covered Retirees, available on the RDS Program Web Site.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact CMS' RDS Center Help Line.